Vol. 480 No. 7
49 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current position regarding the studies taking place on the feasibility of storing natural gas in the gas field at Ballycotton gas well, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14938/97]
Marathon International Petroleum Ireland Ltd., in conjunction with Bord Gáis Éireann, are investigating the feasibility of using the southwest area of the Kinsale Head gas field as a gas storage reservoir. This facility would be used to augment the capacity of the BGE transmission system at times of peak demand. The Ballycotton gas field itself will not be used for storage.
As part of the examination, Marathon have undertaken a number of technical studies to assess the impact of converting the existing production facilities to support this new service. Further technical studies, including a geophysical survey, and the drilling of a further well, are planned for 1997 and 1998.
